The 5th edition of the University Basic Schools Sports Association (UBaSSA) Games has been held at a grand ceremony at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The Games which brought together basic schools from the host, 黑料社; University of Ghana, University of Mines and Technology and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was on the theme, 鈥淒eveloping a Disciplined Personality through Sports, the Role of UBaSSA鈥�.
Events for the three-day games include, football and athletics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Livingstone K. Sam-Amoah, in聽a speech read聽 on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, commended the foresight of the originators of the UBaSSA Games for introducing the games into the calendar of the Basic Schools. He noted that the games have the potential of facilitating the attainment of national development goals in many respects and not limited to academics and sports promotion. 鈥淯BaSSA enhances individual discipline hence, nurturing responsible adulthood and serves to promote health and wealth creation鈥� he indicated.
Prof. Ampiah further noted that the games would continue to foster peace and build relationship in many ways as citizen of Ghana. He said it would contribute to the revival of national academics and sports in the second cycle schools as well as the universities.聽 鈥淚鈥檝e come to understand that one reason sports is considered a discipline is because it requires discipline to engage in it.鈥�
The Vice-Chancellor was hopeful that the competing schools though very young in age have been taught to compete according to the rules of the game. He was of the expectation that the events outlined for the games would help foster healthy relations among the pupils, teachers, coaches and other stakeholders.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson for the UBaSSA, Mrs. Georgina Aglobitse, said the participation of the four schools in the various events would help deepen the collective resolve to achieve greater things. 鈥淎s our common interest, we are looking forward to having more collaboration among Basic Schools in the areas of curriculum development, staff development and other academic related issues that will enhance effective teaching and learning in our schools,鈥� she noted.
Mrs. Aglobitse explained that the purpose for the games was to give special recognition to uncommon abilities of pupils by celebrating skills and talents through games and sports activities for both Primary and Junior High levels. She said the games were specifically, to offer a unique opportunity to unearth, develop and showcase various skills and talents for a better future. 聽According to her 鈥渢he theme accentuate the fact that globally, education and sports are considered as key to human development, economic prosperity and a vital instrument for combating disease, poverty, ignorance and聽 for promoting sustainable development鈥�.
Mrs. Aglobitse who is the Head of the University Primary School, said the benefits of sports and games could not be overemphasized stressing that 鈥淚 believe that this event is capable of encouraging and motivating children to discover the greatness in them, boost their confidence and help them to aspire to achieve greater heights in life鈥�.
The opening ceremony witnessed a thrilling performance from the University Basic School Cadet Corps and Regimental Band. Featuring at the ceremony were acrobatic display by 黑料社Junior High and Primary Schools.
The Cape Coast Stadium agog when 黑料社JHS scored against KNUST JHS in the opening football match which ended in a penalty kick out after the official 60 minutes play.
In addition, 黑料社won the medley event held during the first half of the football match. 聽